Travelin' Light: Are you an expert on frugal travel?

Most people like to hit the road for a spell, but it can be a challenge to keep a close watch on finances when things like airfare and hotel reservations are expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay one step ahead and enjoy vacation on a budget? If you think you know what it takes to be a frugal traveler, take this quiz.

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Question 1 of 10

If you're traveling short distances, what's generally the cheapest way to travel?

by plane

by car

by bus

Although it may be faster to go by plane, buses can travel the short distances between cities for much cheaper, and you won't have to pay for the fuel.

Question 2 of 10

Which of the following is NOT a travel comparison Web site?

Kayak.com

Travelocity.com

CouchSurfing.org

Although CouchSurfing.org is a great resource for those willing to meet new people and stay at a fellow couch surfer's place for free, the site doesn't offer price comparisons. (There aren't any prices to compare, of course!). Kayak.com and Travelocity are both popular sites that let users find the lowest prices for airfare and hotel accomodations.

Question 3 of 10

Which of the following mode of transportation is considered the least safe?

planes

automobile

The chances of an accident occuring on an airplane are very small -- according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, while 1 out of every 6,800 passengers die in a fatal car accident, the rate for airline passengers is only 1 in every 1.6 million passengers.

They're both equally safe.

Question 4 of 10

When is the best time of the week to travel?

during the middle of the week

Ticket prices and hotel accomodations are generally pricier during the busy weekends, so if your travel plans are flexible enough, try booking flights or hotel reservations during the middle of the week.

on the weekends

It doesn't matter

Question 5 of 10

When you're traveling long distances, what's the cheapest way to travel?

by plane

by train

It depends on the circumstances.

Although traveling by plane may be your only option if you're traveling long distances -- maybe you're crossing the Atlantic, for instance -- you have to account for several factors. If you're traveling within Europe, for example, the difference between a plane ticket and a train ticket might vary, and there are aspects aside from money that many people might want to consider. While a plane ticket might get you to your destination quickly, the plane itself might be cramped and uncomfortable. On the other hand, a train ride might take longer, but the views are often best from a train.

Question 6 of 10

How soon should you book plane tickets or hotel reservations if you want inexpensive rates?

the day before you leave

at week before you leave

at least two to three weeks before you leave

Rates almost always increase the closer you get to your intended day of travel, so plan ahead if you want to find the lowest prices.

Question 7 of 10

Which of these U.S. cities is the most expensive to visit?

Los Angeles

New York City

According to Forbes magazine, New York is the No. 1 most expensive vity in the U.S. to visit -- the average nightly rate for a hotel in the Big Apple is $194.14.

New Orleans

Question 8 of 10

What is the most expensive city in the world?

Oslo

As of August 2011, Oslo, Norway, is the most expensive city in the world. Zurich is right behind at No. 2, while Tokyo is the 6th most expensive place in the world.

Zurich

Tokyo

Question 9 of 10

What is a "staycation"?

a vacation to Stayton, Ore.

staying in your hotel for the entire vacation

remaining home during your vacation and seeing sights you wouldn't normally see

One of the most popular money-saving alternatives to traveling long distances is the staycation, which merely involves stay in your home town or city during your time off. The point isn't just to hang around the house (although that's perfectly fine, too) -- a staycation provides you with the opportunity to see and do some things in your local communities you might not have had time for.

Question 10 of 10

How much do travel agency Web sites typically charge for transaction fees?

up to $12

up to $50

According to Consumer Reports, third-party Web sites like Orbitz.com and Expedia.com charge between $5 and $12 in transaction fees. Travelers will likely find cheaper rates by negotiating directly with airlines.